“We are honored to once again be ranked among the top colleges in the nation,” said NKU President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “Student success is at the center of all that we do, and we are especially pleased that the efforts of our dedicated faculty and staff have been recognized.”

Rankings are prepared for Forbes by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity in Washington, D.C.

“This is a new age of return-on-investment education, the very heart of our definitive ranking. Our focus is on just one measurement: outcomes. From low student debt and high graduation rates to student satisfaction and career success, these outstanding institutions are worth it,” Forbes wrote in its report.

NKU graduated the largest class in its 48-year history in May, conferring degrees upon more than 1,780 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and law students.